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You are here: Home / Archives for COVID-19

Florida Community Loan Fund Now Accepting PPP Loan Applications through SBA lending partner, Community Reinvestment Fund

January 12, 2021 Leave a Comment

With the passage of the latest COVID-19 CARES Act legislation, the Small Business Administration (SBA) has re-opened the Payroll Protection Program (PPP) with funding for new loans for nonprofits and small businesses that have been adversely affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. Florida Community Loan Fund will accept PPP loan applications through their SBA lending partner, Community Reinvestment Fund, USA (CRF). Eligible borrowers can apply for first-time PPP funding or a Second Draw PPP loan if they meet certain criteria.
FCLF plans to open their application portal in the next few days. If you are interested in accessing PPP through FCLF, please watch for an announcement on their website, www.fclf.org.​ Or sign up to receive their emails: FCLF.org/connect-with-us.
• The program is open to any nonprofit organization based in Florida.
• You do not need to be an existing FCLF borrower to apply.
​• No minimum loan size  

​​​FCLF’s core purpose is to maximize opportunities for people and places outside the economic mainstream. Since they began 25 years ago, FCLF has supported Florida’s nonprofit sector, and are working with CRF to make sure that nonprofits can access this unique federal program.

Filed Under: Current Events Tagged With: 2021, COVID-19, Florida Community Loan Fund, Nonprofit Resource, Nonprofits, PPP

Year-End Gift of $100,000 Has Ripple Effect, Helps Local Individuals, Families in Need

December 30, 2020 Leave a Comment

By Jeff Pickering, President and CEO

IRCF Team - Jeff Pickering, Chiaka Nwosu, Yamilet Cendejas, Frida Randolfi, Jaci Ruppert

2020 was a tough year for everyone in our community.  For the 50 percent of Indian River County households who live in poverty, however, the health and financial impact of COVID-19 and the global pandemic has been devastating, leaving gaping holes in the social fabric of many parts of our community. 

In normal years, charitable organizations like the United Way of Indian River County work tirelessly to distribute resources and stitch together the safety net that keeps many people from falling into despair.  This year, however, community needs stretched the capacity of our local charities, all of which deserve appreciation for stepping up and answering the call to serve.  These organizations and the donors that support them make an impact on thousands of lives, however, I did not expect one act of year-end generosity to have such an impact on me.

On the same day that federal unemployment benefits expired for millions of Americans while a $900 billion aid package sat on President Trump’s desk, Indian River Community Foundation received a gift of $100,000 from a client who wished to remain anonymous.  The generous donation came along with a special request that the money be used quickly to help vulnerable individuals and families in our community who may be struggling and need emergency financial assistance. 

Our team got busy using data and information from our online Nonprofit Search and a recently completed Community Needs Assessment to connect with organizations where these dollars could make life better, even temporarily, for several of our neighbors in need.  Here are just a few examples of how this one gift will help.

  • Tools and a toolbox for one of several men being helped to break the cycle of homelessness by Camp Haven to start work as an electrician.
  • Tuition for several children of low-income families who attend Childcare Resources while their parents pursue new employment opportunities after losing their jobs.
  • Rent at a Motel 6 for a mother and her four children while they wait for a safe, affordable apartment to become available with help from the Homeless Children’s Foundation.
  • Utility deposits for several families moving from Hope for Families Center into their own apartments.
  • Emergency financial assistance for several low-income families whose children attend the Redlands Christian Migrant Association preschool in Fellsmere.
  • Emergency financial assistance for several first-time recipients of aid from the Salvation Army of Vero Beach.
  • Emergency financial assistance for several low-income seniors served by Senior Resource Association.

It costs more than $220 million to operate all Indian River County charities, most of which serve the education, health and human services needs of our community.  While $100,000 may seem like a drop in the ocean, from the stories I heard I can attest that it was a very timely, much needed drop for many of our neighbors in need. 

It didn’t take an act of Congress. It didn’t take President Trump’s signature. It took a drop of kindness that caused a ripple of generosity that I hope will swell to waves of impact in the year to come.

A philanthropic tsunami could be on its way. Time for all of us to get on board.

Filed Under: Community Needs, Current Events Tagged With: 2020, Anonymous, Community Needs Assessment, COVID-19

Funding Available for Rent, Mortgage and Utility Assistance

December 2, 2020 Leave a Comment

The deadline to apply is December 31, 2020.

Housing Assistance Resources Available through the CARES Act. 
Please call EOC: 772-562-4177
TC Homeless Services Council: 772-567-7790

Filed Under: Community Needs, Current Events Tagged With: 2020, CARES ACT, COVID-19, Economic Opportunities and Housing, United Way

COVID-19 Community Response Fund Continues to Disperse Funds County-Wide

August 3, 2020 Leave a Comment

26,337 households served, 1.4M donated funds, 35 local organizations, 1.8M pounds of food distributed

More than $1,199,000 has been distributed out to 35 local charitable nonprofits. Grants from the fund have focused on rent, utilities, food, baby needs, pets, and senior support assistance.  Weekly distributions of funds have already been made to the following organizations:

  • 211
  • The Buggy Bunch
  • Camp Haven
  • CareBag
  • CareNet Pregnancy Center
  • ChildCare Scholarships
  • Children’s Home Society
  • Economic Opportunities Council
  • Food Pantry of IRC
  • For the Love of Paws
  • Freedom Journey
  • Gifford Youth Orchestra
  • Gift Cards
  • Halo No-Kill Rescue
  • Heal the Healers
  • Health Mart and Whole Family Pharmacy
  • Healthy Start Coalition
  • Hibiscus Children’s Center
  • Hope for Families Center
  • Humane Society of IRC
  • Moonshot Moment
  • Prescriptions (TCCH, VNA, Whole Family, CCIRC)
  • RCMA
  • Salvation Army of IRC
  • Senior Resource Association
  • St. Helens/ UP
  • The Source
  • Treasure Coast Food Bank
  • Treasure Coast Homeless Services Council
  • Tykes and Teens
  • United Against Poverty
  • Veteran’s Council of IRC

If You Haven’t Done So Already, Here’s How You Can Help

  1. Make 2020 charitable distributions from donor advised funds to local charities now.
  2. Make a gift to the United Way’s COVID-19 Community Response Fund now.
  3. Make a significant gift to save or sustain a specific charitable organization, especially one serving vulnerable individuals and families. 

Filed Under: Community Needs, Current Events Tagged With: 2020, COVID-19, COVID-19 Community Response Fund, United Way

Housing Emergency Advocacy Response Team Program Application is Now Available

July 7, 2020 Leave a Comment

Housing Emergency Advocacy Response Team (H.E.A.R.T.) Logo.

The John’s Island Community Service League (JICSL), Florida Rural Legal Services (FRLS), and the Indian River County Bar Association (IRCBA), are combining resources, strengths and expertise to support IRC residents facing COVID-related housing challenges through their NEW Indian River County Housing Emergency Advocacy Response Team Program.

Please click here for more information or to apply online.

Filed Under: Community Needs, Current Events Tagged With: 2020, COVID-19, John's Island Community Service League

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